A human-centered framework to update digital twins.

Developing a digital twin (DT) involves establishing (1) a predictive capability (a model) relevant to the application, (2) means to collect data from the physical counterpart, and (3) means to apply the collected data to the model. Ideally, with these three goals achieved, long periods of steady-state use of the DT might be interrupted only by failure of the sensors used to collect data from the physical counterpart. In reality, however, it can be difficult to confirm that the DT system occupies this comfortable steady-state position.

Virtual Factory Framework for Supporting Production Planning and Control.

Developing optimal production plans for smart manufacturing systems is challenging because shop floor events change dynamically. A virtual factory incorporating engineering tools, simulation, and optimization generates and communicates performance data to guide wise decision making for different control levels. This paper describes such a platform specifically for production planning.

Methods and Tools for Performance Assurance of Smart Manufacturing Systems.

The emerging concept of smart manufacturing systems is defined in part by the introduction of new technologies that are promoting rapid and widespread information flow within the manufacturing system and surrounding its control. These systems can deliver unprecedented awareness, agility, productivity, and resilience within the production process by exploiting the ever-increasing availability of real-time manufacturing data. Optimized collection and analysis of this voluminous data to guide decision-making is, however, a complex and dynamic process.

INTEGRATING DATA ANALYTICS AND SIMULATION METHODS TO SUPPORT MANUFACTURING DECISION MAKING.

Modern manufacturing systems are installed with smart devices such as sensors that monitor system performance and collect data to manage uncertainties in their operations. However, multiple parameters and variables affect system performance, making it impossible for a human to make informed decisions without systematic methodologies and tools. Further, the large volume and variety of streaming data collected is beyond simulation analysis alone.

Ambulance Design Survey 2011: A Summary Report.

Current ambulance designs are ergonomically inefficient and often times unsafe for practical treatment response to medical emergencies. Thus, the patient compartment of a moving ambulance is a hazardous working environment. As a consequence, emergency medical services (EMS) workers suffer fatalities and injuries that far exceed those of the average work place in the United States.